Hidden Gem for Study Trips | Wushi County, Aksu, Xinjiang
Hidden Gem for Study Trips | Wushi County, Aksu, Xinjiang
If there's one journey that left a deep impression on me this summer, it would undoubtedly be my trip to Wushi County in Aksu, Xinjiang. Though I had only recently heard of this place, I had long known from books that it was a crucial stronghold along the ancient Silk Road.
The ironclad oath "Those who dare offend the mighty Han, though far away, shall be punished" echoes across millennia, while the waves of the Tuoshigan River gently kiss the snow-capped peaks of the Tianshan Mountains. You can't help but feel an intangible charm emanating from this land. With such profound cultural heritage and centuries of historical evolution, I seemed to glimpse the ancient beacon smoke rising from the Biedieli Beacon Tower, shrouding this small town in an aura of mystery.
Travel 📸 Tips:
1. Biedieli Beacon Tower: As the westernmost beacon tower of the Great Wall, it once served as a vital artery of the Silk Road and witnessed historic events like the westward journeys of Zhang Qian and Xuanzang, brimming with cultural significance.
2. Yanquan Mountain Park: Renowned as the "Top Scenic Spot Beyond the Great Wall," this beautiful area features nine natural springs lined up in a row, gushing vigorously. This season, the park is alive with birdsong and floral fragrances, offering refreshing comfort. Many locals enjoy water activities here while soaking in the natural scenery. The famous "Surpassing Han and Tang" stele atop the mountain is a must-see for countless travelers.
3. Wushi County Cultural Center: The current cultural center not only details the history of the Great Wall but also houses a Go hall hosting various international Go tournaments. Open to the public for free, it's worth a visit if time permits.
Entertainment Tips:
1. Must-try local delicacy: Posikala thin pancakes. These crispy, translucent treats are made with scallions, milk skin, wheat, and other delicious ingredients, bursting with flavor and happiness in every bite.
2. Intangible cultural heritage music 🎶: The epic "Manas," primarily circulated among the Kirgiz communities in Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture and neighboring Wushi County, Tekes County, Zhaosu County, Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County, and Pishan County. The singers' resonant voices and beautiful rhythmic undulations are utterly captivating.
3. Wushi County souvenirs 🎁: The options are plentiful. The area is not only famous for its walnuts but also produces top-quality sea buckthorn juice. Various meat, eggs, poultry, and dairy products go without saying—personally tested, the small white apricots are incredibly sweet and delicious. I also learned that the local salmon grows up drinking mountain spring water, making it exceptionally tender and flavorful ✔. A few days here simply aren't enough to sample everything.
Route Tips:
From Beijing, you can ✈️ fly directly to Aksu, then rent a car for about 1.5 hours to reach Wushi County.
Important Notes:
1. Aksu has significant temperature differences between day and night. Even in summer, bring a jacket 🧥.
2. Essentials include a hat 🧢, sunglasses 🕶️, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent, as daylight hours are long.
3. Local businesses generally open around 10 am. Check specific attraction opening times in advance.
4. As a border area, practice civilized tourism.